May 4, 2006 9:02 AM, from staff and wire reports

Cuyama Orchards, a California-based grower of organic apples, has deployed Novazone’s ozone-based cold storage system to maximize fruit quality and reduce decay of its Fuji and Pink Lady apples.

Deploying Novazone’s certified organic ozone-based system, Cuyama is able to naturally kill and control mold and mold spores in the air and on surfaces. Tests during the use of Novazone’s cold storage system at Cuyama showed a dramatic reduction of airborne mold and downstream decay. In addition, ozone is effective in controlling the ripening process by naturally consuming ethylene with no adverse impact on fruit color, flavor, or sugar content.